West Bromwich: Murder probe launched after schoolboy, 15, dies in stabbing near shopping centre

Police have launched a murder investigation following the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in West Bromwich yesterday evening (Sunday, April 7).

Officers were called to New Square just off New Street in the town centre just after 9.15pm. Despite the efforts of paramedics also in attendance, the teenager died. 

His family have been informed and police have launched a murder investigation. Officers explained that their enquiries are at an early stage, and that they are are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch. 

Ambulance crew rushed to the scene of the stabbing at around 9.13pm. Upon arrival, they discovered the teenager in "critical condition".

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Two ambulances, two paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended. Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly, it became apparent nothing could be done to save the patient and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

What has West Midlands Police said about the incident?

DCI Laura Harrison, fromthe force's homicide team,said: "It is a tragedy that yet another young life has been lost as a result knife crime. Our immediate thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends. 

“We’re at the early stages of our enquiries but we have detectives working hard to identify those responsible and bring them into custody as soon as possible.

"There are several lines of enquiry that we will be following, but we also need people to come forward with information. We'll be increasing patrols and offering reassurance to the community over the coming days.”

Is the shopping centre open?

The £200m New Square development opened in 2013 covering 473,000 square feet  and includes shops, bars, restaurants, a cinema and other leisure facilities. In 2021, two police officers were stabbed and slashed at the shopping centre by knife-wielding brothers Parminder and Maninder Hunjan, who were later jailed.

A spokeswoman for the shopping centre confirmed in a statement that it was closed to shoppers. She said: "An incident took place last night (Sunday) at New Square. Due to this, the shopping centre is currently fully closed.

"We are now assisting West Midlands Police in their investigations and will give further updates, once we are able, regarding the reopening of the centre. Thank you to all our customers for their patience and cooperation.”

Are the buses running and how can I help?

National Express West Midlands advised at around 6.25am that services had been disrupted as a result of the incident. It said services 4, 4M, 5 and 40 had diverted in both directions via Congregation Way, Reform Street, Bull Street, West Bromwich Ringway, St Michael Street.

Local MP Nicola Richards said: "This is a terrible tragedy, and my deepest sympathies go out to the victim's family and friends."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via Live Chat or 101, quoting log 3772 of April 7 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.